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A review by anndouglas
Little Bird of Heaven by Joyce Carol Oates
4.0
I am simultaneously reading a short story collection by the same author (I Am No One You Know and Other Stories). What struck me, as I finished this novel, is what similar worlds Joyce Carol Oates and Stephen King write about. I'm sure some people will be shocked that I wrote that because Oates is a much more literary writer than King, but, when you consider the subject matter that they write about (deeply troubled souls who often meet with grim fates and/or lead tortured existances), there is a surprising amount of common ground.
This novel examines the effects on the next generation of having a father who is wrongfully accused of murder. The theme of being wrongfully accused is also picked up again in Krista (the female protagonist's) choice of career in adulthood. (She defends the wrongfully accused.) The story reeks of injustice and missed opportunities. Even the end of the story provides a less than happy ending for both characters, but one that is strangely satisfying to the reader because it is realistic.
The novel is intriguing and complex; and the writing is lyrical and multi-layered. Highly recommended.
This novel examines the effects on the next generation of having a father who is wrongfully accused of murder. The theme of being wrongfully accused is also picked up again in Krista (the female protagonist's) choice of career in adulthood. (She defends the wrongfully accused.) The story reeks of injustice and missed opportunities. Even the end of the story provides a less than happy ending for both characters, but one that is strangely satisfying to the reader because it is realistic.
The novel is intriguing and complex; and the writing is lyrical and multi-layered. Highly recommended.